Salmonella outbreak affects 34 across Canada, including 3 in B.C.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has announced it is investigating a recent salmonella outbreak, with 34 reported illnesses across Canada.

So far the number of cases that have been reported, by province, are:

British Columbia (3)

Alberta (6)

Saskatchewan (2)

Manitoba (2)

Ontario (16)

Quebec (3)

Nova Scotia (1)

New Brunswick (1)

Of these cases, which were all reported between June 12 and September 20, 62% are female, with an average age of 41 years. Eight people so far have been hospitalized, but all have recovered or are recovering, with no deaths reported.

At this point in time the Public Health Agency has no source for the infections, but the investigation is ongoing.

Salmonella bacteria are found in the intestines of animals, reptiles and birds, and is most-often transmitted through contaminated foods including poultry, beef, milk or eggs, but can also be found in fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

The symptoms of salmonella infection include fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea, and vomiting. While the symptoms tend to clear up without treatment in healthy people, if you’re feeling these symptoms you should seek medical attention.

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Shawn O'Hara Shawn is a Staff Writer at Vancity Buzz. He loves writing about news, arts, movies, comedy, and culture. Some would argue Shawn is too old to still play Dungeons & Dragons. Shawn would disagree.